Himachal to Rank All Government Colleges; Process to Begin This Month: Education Minister Rohit Thakur.
Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur on Thursday announced that the Education Department will introduce a ranking system for all government colleges in the state, with the process set to begin later this month. The initiative aims to promote healthy competition among institutions and enhance the overall quality of higher education.
The minister made the announcement while presiding over the 75th Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony of Vallabh Government College Mandi, one of the oldest higher education institutions in Himachal Pradesh. On the occasion, he honoured meritorious students who excelled in academics, sports, cultural activities and other fields, and congratulated them on their achievements.
Addressing the gathering, Thakur said that annual functions are an important milestone in a student’s life. He encouraged students to enjoy their college years while also preparing seriously for future responsibilities. He said that in today’s highly competitive environment, hard work, discipline and dedication are the key factors that help students move forward and succeed.
Highlighting the government’s focus on reforms in the education sector, the minister said that the state government is giving top priority to skill-based and employment-oriented education. As part of these reforms, the Education Department has decided to introduce a ranking system for all government colleges in Himachal Pradesh.
He explained that currently only 34 colleges in the state fall under the accreditation framework of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). However, the new ranking system proposed by the Education Department will include all 134 government colleges in the state. According to the minister, preparations for implementing the ranking process have already been completed and it will be launched within this month.
Thakur said that along with strengthening the academic framework, the government is also focusing on improving infrastructure and filling vacant teaching posts in higher education institutions. He stated that in 2023 the state government appointed 484 assistant professors in various colleges. In addition, approval has been received to fill 394 more assistant professor posts and the recruitment process will begin soon.
He further said that around 103 posts of college principals have been filled through promotions during the tenure of the present government. As a result of these measures, the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education in Himachal Pradesh has improved significantly and the state now ranks second in the country with a 43 percent enrolment rate.
Speaking about reforms in school education, the minister said the government has taken several steps to strengthen the academic structure at the school level as well. He noted that Himachal Pradesh has improved its ranking in education quality from 21st position earlier to fifth place in the country.
He added that the government has filled around 7,000 posts in the Education Department so far and recruitment for another 4,000 posts is underway. The department is currently filling 1,800 posts of Junior Basic Teachers (JBT) and 937 posts of Trained Graduate Teachers (TGT).
Referring to the legacy of Vallabh Government College Mandi, established in 1948, Thakur said the institution has made a remarkable contribution to the education sector in the state. He noted that students educated at the college have achieved success in various fields and brought recognition to the institution, Mandi district and Himachal Pradesh.
The minister also assured that there would be no shortage of funds for the construction of the new building of the college. He said the state government has already granted administrative approval of about Rs. 46.17 crore for the project, out of which approximately Rs. 18.50 crore has been released so far. Estimates for the remaining construction work are being prepared and funds will be released accordingly.
Thakur added that the issue of granting affiliation for a B.Ed. course at the college would be taken up with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. He also said that the matter of continuing the college’s affiliation with Sardar Patel University Mandi would be reconsidered.
Speaking as the chief guest, former minister Kaul Singh Thakur said Himachal Pradesh continues to progress steadily in the field of education. He credited the efforts of the Chief Minister and the Education Minister for improving the state’s ranking to fifth place in quality education nationwide.
Local MLA and former minister Anil Sharma thanked the state government for sanctioning adequate funds for the construction of the new college building and urged that the remaining work be completed at the earliest. He also congratulated the students who received awards during the ceremony.
Earlier, college principal Dr. Sanjeev Kumar presented the annual report highlighting the academic achievements and activities of the institution. Students of the college also presented colourful cultural performances during the programme.
Several dignitaries, including former minister Prakash Chaudhary, former Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sohan Lal, Vice Chairman of the State Water Management Board Shashi Sharma, District Congress President Champa Thakur and Vice-Chancellor of Sardar Patel University Mandi Prof. Lalit Awasthi, along with officials from various departments and members of the college staff, were present on the occasion.
